Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp and former Navy officer, shares his insights on the rapid evolution of drone technology. He discusses the challenges of integrating over a million drones into US airspace and the crucial need for safety measures. Drawing from his military experience, he emphasizes teamwork and adaptability in leadership. Walker also highlights the delicate balance between AI automation and human oversight in critical decision-making, advocating for innovative solutions that prioritize safety and collaborative approaches in the industry.
01:05:00
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
question_answer ANECDOTE
Submarine Teamwork Shapes Leadership
Tom Walker shares how submarine teamwork shaped his approach to business and collaboration.
He highlights the necessity of relying on a diverse team with complementary strengths underwater and in leadership.
insights INSIGHT
Drone Airspace Integration Challenge
The drone industry faces enormous airspace integration challenges with over a million drones flying.
Current FAA systems and regulations are outdated and insufficient to protect manned aircraft adequately.
insights INSIGHT
Rising Drone Risks to Aviation
The increasing number of drones has shifted the risk landscape, leading to numerous near misses and collisions.
Currently, only policy exists to protect aviation, but it's violated thousands of times, showing urgent risks.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
When Tom Walker walked into a Best Buy and saw drone technology more advanced than the space shuttle selling for under $1,000, he knew aerial autonomous systems would fundamentally change society. What he couldn't have predicted was reconnecting with a former 13-96 OCS classmate decades later to discuss how military experience shapes innovation in the rapidly evolving drone industry.
The stakes couldn't be higher. With over a million drones now flying in US airspace—outnumbering manned aircraft four to one—and that number projected to double by 2027, we face an unprecedented airspace integration challenge without adequate systems to protect general aviation. Recent near-misses, go-arounds, and actual collisions with manned aircraft highlight the urgency of finding solutions that balance innovation with safety.
Drawing on his submarine background, Walker brings unique perspectives to these challenges. The military's emphasis on teamwork, contingency planning, and mission focus has directly influenced his leadership approach in an industry where pivoting is essential for survival. "I don't want the subject matter experts defining the outcome," he explains, "but I know I need them to help me understand the complexities of each stakeholder."
Perhaps most fascinating is the discussion around autonomy and human oversight. As AI advances, Tom and Ponch agree that human judgment remains irreplaceable in critical decision-making. When a drone approaches a target and discovers a daycare center nearby, or when a delivery drone encounters an unexpected dog, who makes the final call? This tension between technological capability and ethical judgment permeates both commercial and military applications.
The conversation culminates with a powerful insight about resilience: "Sometimes getting punched in the mouth means you're on exactly the right path. You just didn't realize the significance of the change you were trying to make." In an industry transforming how we think about airspace, transportation, and autonomy, this philosophy may prove essential for those brave enough to lead the way.
Want to hear more conversations with innovative leaders applying milit
Stay in the Loop.Don't have time to listen to the podcast? Want to make some snowmobiles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to receive deeper insights on current and past episodes. Recent podcasts where you’ll also find Mark and Ponch:
No Way Out 